My Road to Becoming a Hopeless Doodle Addict!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Well, I have finally achieved my goal of becoming a Hopeless Doodle Addict on DoodleKisses. Maybe I should say I have been recognized publicly as a HDA, because my family has known this to be true for quite some time. When I told my family I was going after the title of HDA, they wanted to know what happens when I get there. I told them I might get a really cool trophy that has been kissed by lots of dogs and a box of stuff picked out by the previous HDA. When they asked where I would put the trophy, I said, "silly, I don't keep the trophy, but I get to take my picture with it, pass it to the next HDA after my dogs have kissed it, and send a box of stuff to that person and their dogs." They weren't that impressed, and it got me thinking maybe if I had a really big box I could put one of them in there with the trophy for the next person on the list. 

Anyway, it all started at the dog park when I met Robin and Dalai and she asked if I had heard of DoodleKisses. I had no idea such a place existed,  but went right home and joined. It took me a while to learn the ropes of DK. Being a newbie, I did not know when I blogged that Fudge ate Science Diet that I was one step away from being whipped with the Herman Sprenger prong collar by a member dispatched from the Food Group. Another time I blogged about a homeopathic remedy using Apple Cider Vinegar and that time feared I might be smacked on the head at the dog park with a Les Pooch brush by another DK'er. I finally discovered the search engine and that helped me appear smarter on DK.

My husband was thrilled with my new obsession because he said it was one of the few things I did to extreme that did not cost him money. I did not tell him that when Sharon and Francis talked about the super powers of the Eureka Floor Cleaner I quickly bought it on Amazon.com. Because of DoodleKisses, I have also purchased a Nedi Pot, a white noise machine, various brushes, Fromm Dog food, canned pumpkin, probiotic yogurt, some recommended books, two cooling vests, EPO, a DRC bandanna, and I think you see where I am going. I just smiled at him and thought to myself, "you poor misguided soul."

At times, I have neglected my family to run to the computer and get an update on this dog or that dog. My husband swears the dogs eat better than he does and I have offered to pour him a bowl of Fromm in any variety. I have even had one instance where Vern was sitting on my daughter's lap and I told her to hold on while I get a picture for DK, despite the fact that she said she could no longer feel her legs. Both dogs are used to me clicking away as they nap nearby with thoughts of a walk in their head.

 

Vern says, "How Much Longer are you going to be on DK??"

Fudge says, "Someone get me outta here. She is on the computer again."

My husband tried to scare me one night into turning off the computer and said he might try and find a girlfriend, since I was so busy in the evenings. I told him that I had been on Craigslist recently looking at Men Seeking Women and used it to help me write Vern's personal ad on DK and I could give him some pointers. He just shook his head. My DH has put up with my blogs about him and a Groundhog, peanut butter pants and a goose, and one where I tried to rehome him with no luck. These DK'ers are pretty smart and asked too many questions about why I was trying to find him a new home.

My kids think I have gone to the dark side and one daughter calls DK a cult. She always says she has a real life with real friends, but I know I have met some awesome people on this website. I have become a better pet owner and learned so much about nutrition, training, breeding, behavior, and well..dogs. My dogs have benefited from all the support I get on DK. So, thank you to Adina for creating such a wonderful, positive site.

I am going to rest now. I am worn out from blogging, posting, welcoming, and going to take a moment to bask in my HDA glory.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Dear Clever Lady, I so enjoy you life stories, keep them coming while I too climb the hill to HDA Glory!

Kiss those two big noses for me, someday we will all Romp together.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Cheryl, Nina, and April, Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate all the comments.

Smita&Ollie, I laughed at the part about taking only pictures of your dog. I was one of those moms who never had a camera and took one picture a year at Christmas. As soon as I got my dogs, I got a digital camera and a Flip Camera. My kids don't let me live that one down.

Deanna, Thank you for thinking I am wise. You might be the only one :) I do find myself quoting stuff I learn from DK all the time.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Congratulations on achieving HDA status.  One of the best things about DK is how, over time, it turns newbies into "doodle experts".  I find it hard to believe that you were once a novice, as when I started my daily visits to DK, you were one of the "wise ones" to whom I paid extra attention.  It's so great to have a place where we can learn from those who've "been there and done that".

[April Cliber]

LOL, you are too funny!!  Congrats!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Isn't this a wonderfull addiction?  Welcome to the club.

[Smita, Ollie and Juno]

What a great post. You really do have a way with words!! The tip about re-homing a husband can come in very handy ;-)

I know about being a Doodle addicts. I'm getting there at lightening speed. I realized I was an addict when I asked my 5 year old to hold my dog and took photos of only the dog!!

[cheryl & oliver]

Congratulations Laurie, you certainly deserve the trophy...I love your postings, they are always very good, and some funny, but always a must read for me....I just love hearing the antics of Fudge & Vern, so WTG girl....Keep em coming...

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sally, Jane, Caitlin, and Michele, Thank you so much for the congratulations.

Kevin, I am telling my DH you said I am the perfect wife. He might not believe it :)

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

Wonderful news, congrats!  I fully understand the addictive nature of DK.  It is impossible to go too long without

checking in.  Good going!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Awww Laurie - I am so happy that you made it!  Congrats from one who hopes to make it there some day.  I love your posts, always so funny and you have been so full of help and advice.  Way to go girl!!!!!!